Garage Door Side Extension Springs Adjustment

While many problems that keep the door from opening are caused by broken springs a lot of other parts could be keeping your door from functioning properly.

Garage door side extension springs adjustment.

If the door was closing too quickly move the spring to the next higher hole on the bracket. This tension makes it easier to lift the garage door from its closed position. You will have to adjust the tension on that side. For extension springs this is in the up position.

Adjust the springs on both sides of the door the same way. The springs extend along the shaft and work by twisting as the garage door closes by means of cables attached to each side of the lowest garage door panel. To be able to adjust the springs the door must be in a position that release the tension on the springs. Brace door before adjusting extension springs.

Once the spring is free of tension remove from its track hanger. Once your garage door is secured remove the spring hook from the track hanger which will allow you to move the hook and adjust the spring s tension. This page should help you troubleshoot your garage door problems. One of the more difficult problems for do it yourselfers to diagnose is a worn cable pulley on an extension spring door.

One reason for this is that if you change the spring on one side of the door and not the other side the springs will not pull evenly because the new spring is stronger than the older fatigued spring. See below to make sure the door is secured before you work on it. These are called single panel one piece garage door extension springs. Before you start actually adjusting the door push it up as far as possible.

To adjust your garage door s side mounted springs first open your door fully and secure it in place with a c clamp below the bottom roller. Secure the door in place. Adjusting the garage door tension spring the springs will either be looped through holes in the track or attached with a special clip and s hook. Retest the door balance as you did in step 1.

As a result the door may bind as it opens and closes. A garage door that is not attached to the springs can fall and cause injury. If you notice a gap on one side it means that one of the springs is putting more force on the door than the other. Side mounted springs are long heavy springs mounted on each side of the upper garage door track.

Springs should be relaxed.